Currently Loving – Takatak Project Paper Horses

This post is actually horribly delayed! My family and I visited the Takatak Project studio last May 12, Mothers’ Day, because I had ordered two lovely takas for our home. I’d like to thank Mary Velmonte for being so nice to us and giving us merienda during our visit.

I’ve always loved to create things with colors, paint, oil pastels. I used to sketch as a child, and in middle school, I pretty much ruled in arts and crafts. I love handmade, DIY stuff too, which is why when I heard about The Takatak Project, I was immediately smitten.

Digression: I absolutely love horses. See, I never had one growing up, but I always had horse toys (My Little Pony; She-Ra’s Swift Wind, etc.), and I bought all these horse books. In fact, the very first book I ever bought for myself was in 1986 from the MV Logos when it stopped by Hong Kong, and I still have it:

So yeah, I kinda love horses.

I had a chance to meet Mary Velmonte, one of the founders of Takatak Project, at her creative studio in Quezon City. Together with her partners, she wanted to revive a generation’s appreciation for the traditional art of making the taka, papier mache horses. They also wanted to provide jobs of the local craftsmen who made these horses, as well as support the young artists who paint the lovely designs onto the horses.

After some chips and cola (Thanks, Mary!), we explored the studio for some one-of-a-kind finds. Here were some of our favorites:

Mary explained that the molds for the paper horses come straight from Paete, Laguna (a province south of Metro Manila, for my international readers). The word “taka” actually refers to the process of creating the molds, which eventually became a colloquialism that referred to the horses, the most common “takas” in Paeta. Even in Paete, Mary explained, the takas were getting harder to come by, which then prompted her and her partners with the idea to “resurrect” the craft, with a modern twist.

And I’m so glad they did! I remembered takas from my youth, when we’d visit my grandfather’s farm in Laguna. We’d see the traditional red takas for sale along the highways. Now, the Takatak Project is reviving the craft using the traditional method for creating the takas, and fusing it with wonderful designs.

In fact, you can purchase DIY Taka Kits! These are great for craft events, whether with your mom friends or as an activity during your kid’s next party!

These owls are actually part of a collaboration between Takatak Project and other businesses or events. Yes, you can contact the Takatak team if you want to collaborate! This is a great idea if you’re looking for unique decor for your home, or even a quirky giveaway during birthdays.

So I mentioned I love horses, and I never got to own one — until today, hah! I am the proud owner of two takas, both of which have found their places at home.

Grey Leaf (from the Spring 2013) is beside my desk…

… while the smaller watercolor florals horse (whom I call “Selah” now, also from the Spring 2013 Collection) is atop my shelf in our bedroom.

You could say these are an adult’s own “my little pony,” haha!

I love how chic these Takatak Project horses (and other animals) are. And yet, it is distinctly “Pinoy”, which completes its charm. I love how the Takatak Project team has taken what could have been a forgotten traditional craft into hip, sought-after art pieces. These are sure to add a delightful touch to any home, so think about getting one (or several!) for yourself. I particularly like the Spring 2013 collection because of their pretty pastels and florals, but they have other styles available as well. (As of this writing, you can view other styles over at My Marquee PH and Seek the Uniq).

About Martine

Martine de Luna is an award-winning blogger, a work at home advocate, and a creative blogging mentor. Through her creative inspiration website, www.makeitblissful.com, Martine encourages women to live meaningfully, whether at home, work or in the pursuit of life goals. Her Make it Blissful Blog Workshops are held monthly (with an online workshop to be launched soon), and she is also the director of the WAHMderful Workshops (www.wahmderfullife.com), a series of workshops and masterminds that equip mothers and married women to work or run a business from home. She also offers digital strategy on community building, blog branding, and social media on her professional site, Martinedeluna.com. She lives in Manila, the Philippines, with her husband Ton and their son, Vito, whom she homeschools.

When I showed this to my daughter. it was the MLP stamp that she giggled on. Haha! But my husband and I agreed that we will go to their showroom soon when he’s home. Perfect din to add more decors for the house. Denise recently posted..My Girl’s BIG Face

The two designs you picked are so pretty! I saw on Seek the Uniq that they also have elephants, giraffes and owls. Sana they make pigs too. My mom-in-law collects piggies, and these would be nice little gifts to send her for her home in the US.Patty recently posted..Old School Blogging: The ABC’s of MrsC!

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Make it Blissful is a new kind of lifestyle blog that promotes meaningful daily living. Here, you can find tips, how-to's and inspiration for the professional, entrepreneurial, creative, homemaker, and personal side of you! It's a place of "bliss" - - a place of happy possibilities, in spite of our imperfect realities - - because we believe we can all be #blissmakers. Founded by Martine de Luna.